134 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping in Blue Ridge, Virginia encompasses a mix of established campgrounds and rustic sites primarily situated along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The area features diverse accommodations including the Peaks of Otter Campground which offers tent, RV, and cabin options, and Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. Middle Creek Campground and Explore Park provide additional tent and RV camping options with varying levels of amenities, from basic sites to those with electric hookups and water access.
The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with most facilities operating from April or May through late October. "The Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful and this campground is a great place to stop for camp," noted one visitor about Otter Creek Campground. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, particularly at higher elevations, requiring appropriate preparation. Many campgrounds in the region offer limited amenities - several Blue Ridge Parkway sites provide toilets but no showers, while more developed campgrounds like Middle Creek and Smith Mountain Lake State Park include shower facilities and hookups. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the mountainous terrain, particularly in more remote camping areas.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and peaceful setting of Blue Ridge area campgrounds. The proximity to hiking trails, especially those connecting to the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway, represents a significant draw. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, tent campers appreciate the creek-side sites at several campgrounds, while RV travelers note the varying size limitations at different facilities. Some campgrounds like Otter Creek feature sites along creeks that provide ambient sound and scenery. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of campgrounds serving as base camps for exploring regional attractions, with many sites positioned within driving distance of Natural Bridge, Floyd, and Roanoke. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few campgrounds like Smith Mountain Lake State Park operating year-round.
"Peaks of Otter is a Blue Ridge Parkway must see. The campground sits at the foot of the iconic Sharp Top mountain but there is hiking galore here."
"On the Blue Ridge Pkwy. 10 miles from Bedford VA. No electricity, no showers, and barely an internet signal. Had to go to Bedford or south 4 miles to an overlook to connect."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"First, it is a private campground located in a public park - in this case, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia (milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)."
"It is close to Roanoke and it is off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is located in Explore Park. This park is growing by leaps and bounds."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Just the drive to the campground through the Blue Ridge Mountains was beautiful. The campground itself was equally as beautiful."
"Very peaceful and amazing in the blue ridge mountains."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
"It was early season, mid- may, so there were few other campers around. We took a site up their gravel road away from the main campground area."
"They mostly lazed around all weekend and watched people coming and going. The RV sites are directly across from the camp store, but the tent sites were tucked back into the woods."
from $20 - $85 / night
Check Availability"This is a well maintained area with access to several hiking trails of all difficulty levels. The lake is beautiful and my entire family enjoyed our time!"
"Stopping at Smith Mountain lake was well worth it during my mini road trip through VA. Pros: huge lake with tons of outdoor activities (trails for running/walking, boating activities, kayaking)."
from $27 - $159 / night
Check Availability"Our camping trip in Virginia was a step into serene simplicity for just $15. Nestled in a beautiful forest, we found peace with no electricity, no internet, and no phone signals—just pure nature."
"The gravel road going around the tent loop was really loud, and there was a cabin behind our site that had a lot of activity and noise for awhile, but all was quiet after 10p."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"This campground is open year round and is right off the highway. There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "
"Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."
from $35 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Did I say it’s close to I 81?"
"just off the highway but easily accessible, everything works, friendly staff. Showers in bathhouse are a bit dirty but other than that great!"
ScoutGood facilities. Clean and hot showers. Good beach area. Docks for fishing could use some markers on the trails to find them. Could use a playground given it's labells as a familycamp
ScoutWell maintained blacktop road which made it easy to get a camper or a van through. Some of the sites further up the road are away from the creek but less buggy. They were large and well-maintained. I like the privacy of the sites further up. I would highly recommend this off upgrade site.
LegendVery beautiful surrounds and plenty of family fun to be had here. Pool, waterslides, splash pad, jumping pillows, playgrounds, mini golf, and of course the James River, to which our campsite was immediately adjacent. It's 8 minutes to the state park with the natural bridge, which is spectacular. . The staff are super nice and helpful.
ScoutFrom all the reviews on this site, we thought it would be more dispersed/private than it is. If you’re ok with seeing and hearing strangers as you sit in front of your own campfire, then this is the spot for you. Not for those who want privacy and true connection with nature and surroundings.
ScoutBeautiful campground, all sites are paved with designated tent pads,h20,and power 20/30/50 amp. There is plenty to do at park fairy stone hunts, paddling, hiking, beach etc.
ScoutNice and quiet. Spots are a good size. Large rock ring fire pit. Would recommend
TravelerNice and quiet - friendly service. Plenty of amenities as well as options. Stayed here to attend a concert at The Coves Amphitheater in Union Hall, VA.
TravelerI can’t believe no one has rated this beautiful place. The sites are level, gravel, well spaced out and surrounded by trees. We stayed at White Pines Campground and there was a network of trails you can access a short walk away. The trails had views, lake, waterfall, and beautiful mountain laurel in bloom. These trails looked great for mountain biking too. The showers were nicely laid out, clean and had great pressure and there were plenty of them. The huge bonus was the dishwashing station with hot water. I can’t wait to come back and explore this beautiful area more!
GuideIt’s very green and scenic
Dispersed camping near Blue Ridge, Virginia ranges from basic sites to cabins with amenities. The area sits between 1,000 and 3,900 feet elevation with temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests provide numerous camping options along creek beds and forest roads that aren't covered by Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds.
Creek exploration: Bring water shoes to wade in the streams at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp. "The little streams running near each site, the beautiful walk to the lake with the leopard salamanders that the kids could catch and swim in," notes Gloria G. The creek winds through the main loop providing ambient sound and splash opportunities.
Cavern tours: Book morning slots at Dixie Caverns for a unique underground experience. "The caverns are worth visiting pretty cool cave system. We got in late in the afternoon after the last tour woke up early and caught the first tour before heading on our way," reports Shane T. Campers receive discounted tour rates when staying on property.
Mountain hiking: Pack trekking poles for steep terrain on nearby trails. "Sharp top and flat top hikes. Both were beautiful, but slightly difficult so just be prepared. Also bring bug spray because the flies were terrible at the top," advises Sam M. from Peaks of Otter Campground. Trails connect to major systems including the Appalachian Trail within short driving distances.
Forest immersion: Sites carved into hillsides at Peaks Of Otter Campground provide unique camping environments. "The whole campground is kind of 'carved' out of the mountain, and is therefore quite terraced in appearance, so a lot of sites had a similar setup to ours," explains Jen V. This design creates tiered camping areas with natural separation between sites.
Year-round options: Winter camping available at limited locations. "One of the few campgrounds open during the winter with facilities," notes Stephen D. about Don's Cab-Inns Campground. While most Blue Ridge area campgrounds close October through April, several private campgrounds remain operational through winter months.
Lake access: Swimming opportunities away from crowds. "Just the drive to the campground through the Blue Ridge Mountains was beautiful. Some of us spent all day swimming, catching salamanders and tadpoles while some of us fished," shares Maggie A. about Cave Mountain Lake. Most lakes in the region provide beach areas for day use alongside camping.
Wildlife awareness: Bear protocols required at mountain campsites. "Be sure to read the bear recommendations and pack up your site accordingly and you'll have a wonderful time," advises Gloria G. about Cave Mountain Lake. Food storage lockers are available at some campgrounds but often shared between multiple sites.
Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions change rapidly with elevation differences of 1,000+ feet between camping areas. "Weather can be cool even in July," notes Heather E. about camping at Peaks of Otter, where wildflowers bloom but temperatures drop significantly at night.
Limited connectivity: Cell service spotty throughout most camping areas. "Poor cell reception, no tv. A forced off the grid experience," explains Shawn at Middle Creek Campground. Prepare for limited or no internet access, especially at National Forest campgrounds and higher elevations.
Site selection: Book creek-adjacent spots for natural entertainment. "Our boys loved playing in the stream and climbing the hill to get to our hammock on the site too," shares Lanie B. about Cave Mountain Lake. Sites along creeks provide both ambient sound and built-in water play areas.
Winter visits: Book cabins for cold-weather comfort at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. "Winter camping options are limited," but Smith Mountain Lake operates year-round with heated accommodations and maintains shower facilities even in winter months.
Swimming alternatives: Check for slides and water features at campgrounds with lakes. "They had a fishing pond, lake to swim in with fun inflatable slides and trampoline and a pool. We made use of all them during our stay. The lake was super fun and such a cool idea to have the slides and trampolines," explains Amanda about Middle Creek Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Bring blocks for uneven mountain terrain. "The sites and tent pads were pretty small," notes Lisa M. about camping at Peaks of Otter. Many mountainside campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring additional equipment to level larger rigs.
Limited hookup availability: Research carefully before arrival as many Blue Ridge area campgrounds offer partial or no hookups. "All new facilities and only $25 a night. Electric on the site, water and dump station located nearby," reports Terry F. about Don's Cab-Inns Campground.
Size restrictions: Measure carefully as mountain campsites often have length limitations. "Very territorial deer, will stalk you on way to dumpster!" warns Karen W. about wildlife at Peaks of Otter, where sites accommodate limited-size vehicles due to mountainside terracing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Blue Ridge, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Blue Ridge, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Blue Ridge, VA and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Blue Ridge, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Blue Ridge, VA is Peaks Of Otter Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Blue Ridge, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Blue Ridge, VA.
What parks are near Blue Ridge, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Blue Ridge, VA that allow camping, notably Philpott Lake and George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
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